Commuter students are often left out of college programs because their needs and schedules differ substantially from the traditional student for whom the programs are planned. Once the basic educational needs of the commuter student are being met, planners can focus on developing programs geared to other needs of the commuter such as personal growth and a feeling of belonging. The first step is to conduct a demographic assessment in order to find out what the characteristics of the commuter student are. Next, a needs assessment should be performed. The needs assessment should identify current offerings and propose new ones. Using the results of these assessments, programs geared towards the specific needs of commuter students can be developed. Listed in this article are variables that can be included in assessments as well as results of assessments carried out at several colleges. (DC)